The driver stopped in front of the mall instead of at the bus stop. Thus, when I got off the bus, I was partially in the street. A few cars honked at me as I made my way forward. As I was making my way towards the sidewalk, a hand reached out and grabbed my arm.

“It’s hard to walk today.” A women said. “Let me help you.”

She helped me step over the snow bank and onto the sidewalk. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. One step at a time.” I told her.

“I used to have chronic pain too,” she said.

“I have MS”

“You should do Qigong. It’ll help. I did that and Tai Chi and Yoga and look at me now.”

“What’s that?”

“It helps to stabilize the mind and the body. You should adopt that and meditation. It’ll help.”

“I’ve already started a meditation regime.”

“Then your half way there, just another step to go.”

“Two steps at a time, right?”

“Oh no, the steps are endless if you’re on the right journey. I had chronic pain and lived with it for a long time. You have to make the choice not to be the disease. You have to rise above it.”

“I’m working on it.”

“I know you are. But it’s not an easy process. It took me eight years. I had to walk with a cane for as long as I could remember. But I don’t need one now and neither will you if you believe.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her, she was so light hearted. “Thank you.” I said to her.

She clasped my hand. “Merry Christmas and I’ll pray for you if you let me.”

She hailed a cab and walked (or drove) out of my life, but once again, I believed in angels.